Help complete Trans Canada Trail

I am excited about a new opportunity, an opportunity for Manitobans to contribute to the promotion of health and outdoor recreation in the Winnipeg area, leading up to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.

In January 2014, Prime Minister Harper announced a matching fund to complete the Trans Canada Trail, a 24,000 kilometre recreational trail that winds through every province and territory. The trail, once complete, will be one of the longest recreational trails in the world, helping Canadians enjoy closer connections to some of our country’s most awe-inspiring places from coast to coast to coast.

One local section of the Trans Canada Trail, named the Red River North Trail, extends from Winnipeg to Little Britain and passes through East St. Paul and Bird’s Hill, totalling 26 kilometres of multi-use trail. The trail is designed for a variety of activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. I encourage you to explore the Trail with your family and friends — celebrate and promote its use as a healthy outdoor activity. Consider how you can be a part of this national legacy!

Nearly 17,000 kilometres, or 72% of the Trans Canada Trail is already operational. To help complete the remaining 7,000 kilometres of trail by 2017, the government of Canada has announced a matching fund of up to $25 million over four years, administered by Parks Canada. One federal dollar will be provided for every two dollars publicly raised. For more information on how to donate, please visit tctrail.ca.

The Trans Canada Trail will allow Canadians and international visitors alike to enjoy some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, while promoting health and fitness through a wide variety of recreational activities. The trail is expected to generate millions of dollars in economic benefits in the years to come by creating local jobs and supporting the tourism industry.

Completing the initiative by 2017 would be an incredible legacy of Canada’s 150th anniversary as the trail would connect almost 1,000 communities across Canada. Four out of five Canadians live within 30 minutes of the trail.

With the support of many generous donors and volunteers working to complete this trail, an on-the-ground symbol of pride in our nation has emerged. Will you contribute to this legacy to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017? We can all be a part of completing this important initiative for future generations to enjoy.

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